LaVilla Link

1.3-mile LaVilla Link of the Emerald Trail

LaVilla Link Taking Shape

The first phase of the Emerald Trail is the 1.3-mile Model Project.

Construction of the project, named the LaVilla Link—connecting Brooklyn to LaVilla and the S-Line Rail Link—began in  September 2021.  The estimated construction cost is $8.9 million. The LaVilla Link will be complete in 2023.

A 14-foot-wide concrete pedestrian/bicycle trail is designed for both active and passive recreation with abundant shade trees and native plantings. It features several signature points of interest like the Park Street Bridge and the Lee Street Pond, where users may pause and reflect. In addition, the Trail will honor the LaVilla neighborhood through wayfinding, storyboards and public art installations while connecting to the historic landmarks, Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing Park and Florida C. Dwight Memorial Playground (Park).

The LaVilla Link of the Emerald trail was designed by Pond, a full-service architecture, engineering, planning and construction firm based in Atlanta, Ga. with offices in Jacksonville. Pond has designed and implemented more than 400 miles of greenway and multi-use trail projects throughout the south including work on the Atlanta BeltLine.

The LaVilla Link is being constructed by Astra Group, LLC, a general contractor and site development contractor that specializes in building public spaces, trails and parks. Astra has completed some of the most well-known projects in the southeast including the Atlanta BeltLine.

For more information on supporting this project, please contact Kay Ehas, Groundwork CEO.

LaVilla Link Presentation

SEE DRAMATIC BEFORE/AFTER IMAGES OF THE LAVILLA LINK

Emerald Trail Virtual Tour

TAKE A VIRTUAL STROLL OF THE EMERALD TRAIL